3.20.14: The Birds, The Bees, & The Birds And The Bees

While the weather these days might not be an indicator, spring is officially here. Which got us thinking in the Word of Mouth pod...about the birds and the bees. And also birds and bees. On today's show a conversation about the most awkward talk a parent has to have: "the talk." Also, a bird expert tells us about this year's unusual snowy owl migration. We'll also hear about the next great frontier in self tracking apps: fertility apps.

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29:31

3.20.14: The Birds, The Bees, & The Birds And The Bees

Let's Talk About Sex

Senior Producer Maureen McMurray shares what just might be the most awkward talk about the birds and the bees ever told.

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5:11

Let's Talk About Sex

Let's Talk About Data Permanence

Mat Honan senior writer at Wired breaks down the new awkward 'talk' parents are having with their kids: do you realize what you post online lasts forever?

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6:28

Let's Talk About Data Permanence

Fertility Apps

Fertility apps aren't new, but the idea that they could be used as supplemental insurance is.Sarah Mishkin​ from the Financial Times joins us to talk about the quest to get employers to help fund the costs of infertility.

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7:02

Fertility Apps

Snowy Owls

Eric Masterson is in studio to talk about the rare influx of snowy owls to the granite state.

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6:15

Snowy Owls

Zombees

John Hafernik joined us to talk about a new parasite that is turning honey bees into automatons. John is professor of biology at San Francisco State University and director of zombeewatch.org.

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Mid-May is like rush hour in the bird world. Migrants have returned for the nesting season and the air is full of birdsong. As you might guess, birdsong is as varied as birds themselves. In fact, birdsong is defined generously to include any and all sounds they make with territorial or courtship intentions. Let's start with a traditional vocalization and then branch out.

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